Lost but Looking :/

Weeping Raven · Nov 18, 2017

Hullo RF, been a while since I was on, how we all doing?

After a few months of study and attempted practice of paganism, specifically Celtic and Anglo-Saxon (to honour my roots) I find myself rather lost but hungry for more.

I wish to continue honouring my Ancestors, respecting and revering nature and I want a system of values and morals I can hold myself accountable to.

I feel rather burnt out researching constantly and the rituals of paganism, well let's just say I'm skeptical of them. I think they give in to the stereotypical view of an animal sacrificing, pouring mead over a rock barbarian.

I occasionally feel a tug back to Satanism, as well as to Christianity, but I've tried them before and it's clear from history that Christianity is not of my blood.

Any advice on where to look, or what to do next would be very appreciated. Please say if you need me to elaborate on anything.

Brickjectivity · Nov 18, 2017

What are your talents? Do you play music? What are your hobbies?

Weeping Raven said:
I wish to continue honouring my Ancestors, respecting and revering nature and I want a system of values and morals I can hold myself accountable to.

What about studying law? The legal system together with friends, family and coworkers holds people to certain moral standards. What about getting involved with programs that do recycling and that investigate corporate dumping? Journalism?

SalixIncendium · Nov 18, 2017

Weeping Raven said:
Hullo RF, been a while since I was on, how we all doing?

After a few months of study and attempted practice of paganism, specifically Celtic and Anglo-Saxon (to honour my roots) I find myself rather lost but hungry for more.

I wish to continue honouring my Ancestors, respecting and revering nature and I want a system of values and morals I can hold myself accountable to.

I feel rather burnt out researching constantly and the rituals of paganism, well let's just say I'm skeptical of them. I think they give in to the stereotypical view of an animal sacrificing, pouring mead over a rock barbarian.

I occasionally feel a tug back to Satanism, as well as to Christianity, but I've tried them before and it's clear from history that Christianity is not of my blood.

Any advice on where to look, or what to do next would be very appreciated. Please say if you need me to elaborate on anything.

Perhaps that tug back to Satanism is a sign that there should be a shift from honoring your Ancestors to honoring your Self? Just an observation based on what you wrote.

shunyadragon · Nov 18, 2017

Weeping Raven said:
Hullo RF, been a while since I was on, how we all doing?

After a few months of study and attempted practice of paganism, specifically Celtic and Anglo-Saxon (to honour my roots) I find myself rather lost but hungry for more.

I wish to continue honouring my Ancestors, respecting and revering nature and I want a system of values and morals I can hold myself accountable to.

I feel rather burnt out researching constantly and the rituals of paganism, well let's just say I'm skeptical of them. I think they give in to the stereotypical view of an animal sacrificing, pouring mead over a rock barbarian.

I occasionally feel a tug back to Satanism, as well as to Christianity, but I've tried them before and it's clear from history that Christianity is not of my blood.

Any advice on where to look, or what to do next would be very appreciated. Please say if you need me to elaborate on anything.

I recommend you focus your search on the universal spiritual heritage and not just the ancient culture like the paganism of Europe. There are two belief systems that do this. Both honor and respect the beliefs and traditions of the past. The Unitarian Universalist represent the more humanist belief, with the Humanist Manifesto as guidance for morals, ethics and relationships to different beliefs. The Baha'i Faith is a Theist alternative that appeals to the universal progressive Revelation including ancient cultures of the evolving spiritual nature of humanity throughout human history, and provides guidance for morals, ethics and relationships with those who believe differently.

Weeping Raven · Nov 18, 2017

Brickjectivity said:
What are your talents? Do you play music? What are your hobbies?

What about studying law? The legal system together with friends, family and coworkers holds people to certain moral standards. What about getting involved with programs that do recycling and that investigate corporate dumping? Journalism?

I enjoy reading, watching horror movies, anime (I swear I'm no weeb) taking walks, especially during the Winter, interested in survivalism, the supernatural and politics. I have zero musical talent

I guess you could divide my interets into a green section of anything nature based, a very dark, macabre side and a history and politics side.

Which has me thinking perhaps I should blend satanism and paganism, hmm.

SalixIncendium said:
Perhaps that tug back to Satanism is a sign that there should be a shift from honoring your Ancestors to honoring your Self? Just an observation based on what you wrote.

Hmmm, perhaps, tbh I leave very little time for myself, maybe I should change that.

shunyadragon said:
I recommend you focus your search on the universal spiritual heritage and not just the ancient culture like the paganism of Europe. There are two belief systems that do this. Both honor and respect the beliefs and traditions of the past. The Unitarian Universalist represent the more humanist belief, with the Humanist Manifesto as guidance for morals, ethics and relationships to different beliefs. The Baha'i Faith is a Theist alternative that appeals to the universal progressive Revelation including ancient cultures of the evolving spiritual nature of humanity throughout human history, and provides guidance for morals, ethics and relationships with those who believe differently.

Thank you for your comment, I'll be sure to look into the things you've mentioned, particularly the Humanist Manifesto.

Brickjectivity · Nov 18, 2017

Weeping Raven said:
I enjoy reading, watching horror movies, anime (I swear I'm no weeb) taking walks, especially during the Winter, interested in survivalism, the supernatural and politics. I have zero musical talent

I guess you could divide my interets into a green section of anything nature based, a very dark, macabre side and a history and politics side.

Which has me thinking perhaps I should blend satanism and paganism, hmm.

I'm going to suggest what I usually suggest when this comes up (for some reason this very thing has come up several times.) You really sound to me like you wish to be reborn as a Japanese person. Are you familiar with their ancestor worship, blended with Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism? Its quite independent of western religions, and it might help you understand your anime better. You wouldn't have to call it 'Japanese' religion.

Its a good idea to stay in touch with other people or to get in touch if you aren't. Otherwise I don't see a lot of point to a religion. I cannot recommend isolation to anyone, so always compromise on that I think. I think if your religious choices are driving others away, compromise. Yes, survivalism and self reliance are interesting in the short term, but one also should prepare for the long term. We change over time. The strong young body softens and begins to hurt all over and requires lotions, stretches, rest and the mind becomes captured in an ever more immobile frame. At that point its a good idea to have things worth thinking about and relationships to ponder.

PureX · Nov 18, 2017

Weeping Raven said:
Hullo RF, been a while since I was on, how we all doing?

After a few months of study and attempted practice of paganism, specifically Celtic and Anglo-Saxon (to honour my roots) I find myself rather lost but hungry for more.

I wish to continue honouring my Ancestors, respecting and revering nature and I want a system of values and morals I can hold myself accountable to.

I feel rather burnt out researching constantly and the rituals of paganism, well let's just say I'm skeptical of them. I think they give in to the stereotypical view of an animal sacrificing, pouring mead over a rock barbarian.

I occasionally feel a tug back to Satanism, as well as to Christianity, but I've tried them before and it's clear from history that Christianity is not of my blood.

Any advice on where to look, or what to do next would be very appreciated. Please say if you need me to elaborate on anything.

Sounds like you need to get out of your own head, and into the real world. Stop trying to think and study your way to positive solutions, and try acting your way to them. Volunteer at a hospital, or a soup kitchen, or a homeless shelter. Or anywhere else that you could be useful to others. Stop looking for the answers, and start becoming the answer.

Other people are reflections of ourselves, and we, them. Sometimes the best way to solve our own problem is to help someone else solve theirs.

Weeping Raven · Nov 18, 2017

Brickjectivity said:
I'm going to suggest what I usually suggest when this comes up (for some reason this very thing has come up several times.) You really sound to me like you wish to be reborn as a Japanese person. Are you familiar with their ancestor worship, blended with Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism? Its quite independent of western religions, and it might help you understand your anime better. You wouldn't have to call it 'Japanese' religion.

Its a good idea to stay in touch with other people or to get in touch if you aren't. Otherwise I don't see a lot of point to a religion. I cannot recommend isolation to anyone, so always compromise on that I think. I think if your religious choices are driving others away, compromise. Yes, survivalism and self reliance are interesting in the short term, but one also should prepare for the long term. We change over time. The strong young body softens and begins to hurt all over and requires lotions, stretches, rest and the mind becomes captured in an ever more immobile frame. At that point its a good idea to have things worth thinking about and relationships to ponder.

I like Japan, I respect them, but I prefer being English, I wouldn't change that for anything. As for their religion, Shinto I believe it's called? Yes I've heard of it before, but taking on a foreign people's religion always wrong to me, like I was trying to fit myself into something that wasn't for me in the first place.

Which isn't to say it doesn't hold great appeal to me, merely I would feel it wrong.

PureX said:
Sounds like you need to get out of your own head, and into the real world. Stop trying to think and study your way to positive solutions, and try acting your way to them. Volunteer at a hospital, or a soup kitchen, or a homeless shelter. Or anywhere else that you could be useful to others. Stop looking for the answers, and start becoming the answer.

Other people are reflections of ourselves, and we, them. Sometimes the best way to solve our own problem is to help someone else solve theirs.

If I had time to volunteer somewhere I would, but between studying and working 30-40 hours a week, with weekends being given over to seeing my gf. I've greatly enjoyed any volunteering I've done in the past though, so will look about finding time.

Thanks to everyone that's been replying, you've really helped me understand myself slightly better, which is something I find hard, to look within.

sun rise · Nov 18, 2017

My search involved looking at many different paths. From what you've written I wonder if that might be helpful for you? I used to go into a metaphysical bookstore and cruise the shelves but in these days I guess you have to do it online.

suncowiam · Nov 18, 2017

Weeping Raven said:
Hullo RF, been a while since I was on, how we all doing?

After a few months of study and attempted practice of paganism, specifically Celtic and Anglo-Saxon (to honour my roots) I find myself rather lost but hungry for more.

I wish to continue honouring my Ancestors, respecting and revering nature and I want a system of values and morals I can hold myself accountable to.

I feel rather burnt out researching constantly and the rituals of paganism, well let's just say I'm skeptical of them. I think they give in to the stereotypical view of an animal sacrificing, pouring mead over a rock barbarian.

I occasionally feel a tug back to Satanism, as well as to Christianity, but I've tried them before and it's clear from history that Christianity is not of my blood.

Any advice on where to look, or what to do next would be very appreciated. Please say if you need me to elaborate on anything.

Stop looking and just define who you want to be instead of finding predefined buckets to place yourself in.

Just my 2 cents.

Good luck.

Aldrnari · Nov 18, 2017

If you're interested in survivalism, have you thought of dipping your toes into bushcraft? The weather is cooling off a bit now, but when it's warm enough, give it a try.

There's something to be said for using tools in a practical way, instead of, exclusively, for ritual. A good field knife for detail work and cutting rope instead of an athime or ritual seax, a steel drinking vessel that you can boil water in directly on the fire instead of a chalice or drinking horn, and a good axe, tomahawk, or kukri that you can chop wood with and gather vegetation instead of a boline.
There's a lot of spiritual value to be gained from the work, creativity, introspection, and self reliance you depend on from a night (or more, if you have the time) of bushcrafting, IMO.

shunyadragon · Nov 18, 2017

Weeping Raven said:
I enjoy reading, watching horror movies, anime (I swear I'm no weeb) taking walks, especially during the Winter, interested in survivalism, the supernatural and politics. I have zero musical talent

I guess you could divide my interets into a green section of anything nature based, a very dark, macabre side and a history and politics side.

Which has me thinking perhaps I should blend satanism and paganism, hmm.

Hmmm, perhaps, tbh I leave very little time for myself, maybe I should change that.

Thank you for your comment, I'll be sure to look into the things you've mentioned, particularly the Humanist Manifesto.

There are numerous similarities between the UU, Humanist Manifesto, concerning guidance for the contemporary world, but of course not everything, and the Baha'i Faith.

osgart · Feb 1, 2018

My ancestors dumped my granny into an orphanage. She's of Irish descent. I could never just honor what came before.

I don't know why people just don't work out their own moral code. I can't fit mine into already existing codes. I always find things that don't add up in them.

GR8FL1 · Mar 1, 2018

Raven, you are indeed a seeker. I am a Latter-day Saint, you may know it as Mormon. We have a living prophet and apostles, and the same organization that existed in the primitive church. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and gets its name from one of the prophet-historians who recorded the events of his time. You don't say which Christian church you tried, but don't give up on Jesus Christ. His message is powerful and he gave his life for us. I too was a seeker and investigated very carefully before making a commitment. Something helpful for you might be to make a bit of quiet time to meditate on the purpose of life. It is a big subject. Each of us is precious and worthwhile. You can carve out your own destiny without being pushed into a 'pigeonhole'. I hope this helps you.

GR8FL1 · Mar 1, 2018

Osgart, that is sad indeed about your Granny. I hope other things in her life turned out well for her.

A REAL CHRISTIAN · Jan 16, 2019

Weeping Raven said:
Hullo RF, been a while since I was on, how we all doing?

After a few months of study and attempted practice of paganism, specifically Celtic and Anglo-Saxon (to honour my roots) I find myself rather lost but hungry for more.

I wish to continue honouring my Ancestors, respecting and revering nature and I want a system of values and morals I can hold myself accountable to.

I feel rather burnt out researching constantly and the rituals of paganism, well let's just say I'm skeptical of them. I think they give in to the stereotypical view of an animal sacrificing, pouring mead over a rock barbarian.

I occasionally feel a tug back to Satanism, as well as to Christianity, but I've tried them before and it's clear from history that Christianity is not of my blood.

Any advice on where to look, or what to do next would be very appreciated. Please say if you need me to elaborate on anything.

You cant really follow a religion " cause i like it". There would be no way of KNOWING its true. You have to think logically. The way these ancient pagan religions sort of faded to obscurity is a hint that they were just made up to expain the natural worldlife, death.

SalixIncendium · Jan 16, 2019

A REAL CHRISTIAN said:
You cant really follow a religion " cause i like it". There would be no way of KNOWING its true. You have to think logically. The way these ancient pagan religions sort of faded to obscurity is a hint that they were just made up to expain the natural worldlife, death.

All religions were made up.

Treks · Jan 16, 2019

A REAL CHRISTIAN said:
You cant really follow a religion " cause i like it". There would be no way of KNOWING its true. You have to think logically. The way these ancient pagan religions sort of faded to obscurity is a hint that they were just made up to expain the natural worldlife, death.

They didn't fade into obscurity, the people were converted to Christianity as part of a process of political domination, and nothing much of the religions of the peoples of Northern Europe was written down, and so it was lost. See this fellow for more information Charlemagne - Wikipedia

@Weeping Raven When I moved out of an Eastern religion a few years ago, for a while I wanted to associate only with religions that fitted my European heritage because I didn't want to "take what wan't mine". I too explored Heathenry, and found it was not for me. I explored Christianity, but it still doesn't quite resonate with me. What else does that leave us with? Wicca?

(but seriously have you looked at Wicca?)

For me now, though, I focus on a blend of the beliefs from the Eastern religion I used to follow, and Stoicism. At the end of the day, if those things are what I believe to be true, there's not much more I can do about it.

Do you have a sense of what you believe, independent of religious labels?

Lost but Looking :/

Weeping Raven

One lost Raven

Brickjectivity

wind and rain touch not this brain

SalixIncendium

अग्निविलोवनन्दः

shunyadragon

shunyadragon

Weeping Raven

One lost Raven

Brickjectivity

wind and rain touch not this brain

PureX

Veteran Member

Weeping Raven

One lost Raven

sun rise

The world is on fire

suncowiam

Well-Known Member

Aldrnari

Active Member

shunyadragon

shunyadragon

osgart

Nothing my eye, Something for sure

GR8FL1

New Member

GR8FL1

New Member

A REAL CHRISTIAN

Member

SalixIncendium

अग्निविलोवनन्दः

Treks

Well-Known Member